Warriors: a path by the stars #1

CHAPTER NINE

The cats padded back into camp, tension hanging thick in the air. Whispers and murmurs spread quickly as curious clanmates gathered around, their eyes full of questions. Kestrelwing was the first to speak up, his voice sharp with concern. "What did she say!?"

Another cat, buried deeper in the crowd, yowled out, "Is everything alright!?"

Ivypaw exchanged an uneasy glance with Hyenapaw, her heart still pounding from the encounter with Rosestar. Before she could respond, she saw Owlpaw bounding toward her, eyes wide with worry. "What happened over there?! Was Rosestar angry?"

Ivypaw hesitated, then forced a confident tone into her voice, even though the fear still clung to her pelt. "More than angry... She was sly and vicious if you ask me," she meowed, her eyes flicking between her brother and the crowd of anxious clanmates. "I think tensions with RainforestClan are rising, maybe more than we thought."

Owlpaw tilted her head, confusion flashing in her eyes. "What do you mean?"

Before Ivypaw could answer, the commotion around them grew louder as more cats approached Batstar, seeking answers. Batstar, his expression unreadable, made his way toward the Red Rock, where Alderstripe was waiting. Ivypaw could just make out the healer's concerned voice as he asked, "Is it bad?"

Batstar didn't reply at first, his eyes heavy with thought. Finally, he leaped onto the Red Rock, his gaze sweeping over the gathered cats. "My clan," he began, his voice low and serious. He let out a deep sigh before continuing, "My warriors and I have just returned from RainforestClan's border. Rosestar claims that some of our cats have been crossing into their territory."

The camp buzzed with confusion as cats exchanged bewildered glances, the accusation hanging in the air like a cloud. Then, Hollowthroat's voice broke through the crowd. "That's mouse-brained! Coming from Rosestar of all cats? We don't trespass on any clan's borders!"

Batstar's eyes narrowed slightly, but he kept his composure. "If only I could believe that..."

A fresh wave of murmurs rippled through the camp, some cats starting to eye one another suspiciously. Ivypaw felt a strange prickle of unease. She couldn't recall hearing of anyone crossing the border, not even by mistake. Her thoughts were interrupted as Shimmerbreeze, a young warrior sitting by the wall, raised his voice.

"Do you think this is a trap?" Shimmerbreeze's words cut through the chatter, and the camp fell silent as all eyes turned toward him. "If none of us have crossed the border, maybe Rosestar's just using this as an excuse to provoke us. I've seen how desperate she looked at the Great Dome gathering."

Slowly, nods of agreement started spreading through the crowd. Ivypaw noticed Batstar's gaze shift to Hareshade. "Hareshade?" Batstar prompted, his voice cautious.

Hareshade stepped forward, his expression dark. "I wouldn't put it past Rosestar to pull something like that. She's always seen us as a threat. To her, we're vengeance waiting to strike, and she's not one to let go of grudges."

Ivypaw furrowed her brow, her tail twitching with curiosity. "What does Hareshade mean by that?" she whispered to Hyenapaw. "Did something happen between Batstar and Rosestar?"

Batstar nodded thoughtfully at Hareshade's words. "If that's true, it's good that we know now." Batstar raised his voice so the entire clan could hear. "We are strong together, and we will be prepared if RainforestClan decides to take action against us. For now, Hareshade will be assigning double patrols along the borders. We must ensure that our territory remains protected. We cannot afford to lose ground."

A chorus of approving meows rose from the gathered warriors, heads nodding in agreement. Ivypaw glanced toward the apprentice's den, where Coldpaw and Stormpaw had appeared, sitting quietly nearby. She nudged Owlpaw with her shoulder, teasing slightly. "Guess that means we'll be training more, huh?"

Owlpaw let out an exaggerated groan. "Great, more battle training..."

Beside them, Stormpaw chuckled, resting his tail on Owlpaw's shoulder. "Come on, we'll train together this time. No sweat."

Ivypaw noticed Coldpaw sitting quietly, his gaze focused on the ground, looking uneasy. Hyenapaw leaned over to give him a nudge of encouragement. Ivypaw felt a swell of determination rise in her chest as she looked at owlkit and their denmates "We've got this," she said, her eyes gleaming. "We're the strongest cats ever! If Rosestar thinks she can push us around, she's in for a surprise. Batstar will make sure of it, and we'll be ready when the time comes."

Suddenly her mind flicked back to redmoons unease gaze, maybe not all cats support RoseStar... she wouldn't wanna think on what it's like at there camp, having such a cruel some cat as a leader. Maybe she can try talking to her, when the time comes I guess. But whatever happens, it hopes to be sure that nothing terrible will end up